Contrast Kurtz’ black mistress with his Intended. What is the function of each?
Kurtz' black mistress and his Intended couldn't possibly be more different (aside from maybe being different species but that would likely distract from their meaning). Aside from one being an African and the other a European, their temperaments are on opposite sides of the spectrum.
His black mistress is a woman who strives on and revels in power, acting as a sort of queen or goddess above the African tribes in the area. She appears adorned with extensive and expensive jewelry and is described as "wild" and "gorgeous." Her appearance soars above that of her surroundings, both the people and the landscape, and causes her to seem like royalty. In action, she may as well be royalty due to her incredibly strong influence both on the area's tribes and on Kurtz.
On the other hand, Kurtz' Intended is a quiet and trusting European housewife. She holds an incredible capacity for belief in Kurtz even during the pain of mourning over his death. She seems to hold an unusually strong will which may be seen as a similarity to the black mistress, but the way in which she uses it sets here even further apart. Her will is used to keep her calm and fairly composed during the pain of loss and to hold her faith in Kurtz.
The function of the two women and their striking differences serves as an interesting plot point for anyone interested enough to compare them and wonder why Kurtz became involved with women who are as opposite as black and white (I mean the colors, not races); however, they hold a deeper significance within the novel's meaning. Kurtz' Intended serves as an embodiment of the perfect domestic housewife--trusting and caring for her man even during long periods with no news. His mistress on the other hand, embodies the wild spirit of the jungle and the thirst for power of the ambitious mind. These two women come from different worlds, and by connecting them through Kurtz, the two worlds are placed side-by-side to reveal and force attention upon their stark differences.
Although the women are seemingly different in personality, I there are a lot more similarities than realized at first. Starkly contrasting in personality, the intended is naive and fitting with Marlow's idea that woman are basically ignorant to the world. The native women is powerful and strong. Despite their differences, both serve as basically silent, and still dependent upon Kurtz. Even with her strong personality, Kurtz still views her in a similar position as his Intendent. This is evident in his treatment, essentially using them as objects to show off his wealth and grandeur.
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